Wetherspoons shut down all 900 Twitter, Facebook and Instagram profiles with immediate effect

Budget pub chain JD Wetherspoon has announced it is closing down all Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts linked to its 900 pubs and head office.

The social media accounts will close with immediate effect.

The pub chain said the unusual steps were, in part, inspired by recent concerns over the misuse of personal data in the Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal and the addictive nature of social media.

Tim Martin, Wetherspoon chairman, admitted: ‘We are going against conventional wisdom that these platforms are a vital component of a successful business.’

‘I don’t believe that closing these accounts will affect our business whatsoever, and this is the overwhelming view of our pub managers,’ Mr Martin added.

‘It’s becoming increasingly obvious that people spend too much time on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and struggle to control the compulsion.

‘We will still be as vocal as ever through our Wetherspoon News magazine, as well as keeping the press updated at all times.

‘We will also be maintaining our website and the Wetherspoon app and encourage customers to get in touch with us via our website or by speaking with the manager at their local pub.’

Accounts associated with Wetherspoon had more than 44,000 Twitter followers and a further 100,000 followers on Facebook.

Some popular posts by the pub chain received more than 500,000 views, likes and shares.